A Multidisciplinary Team Travels to Haiti to Provide Prosthetic Rehabilitation.

Miami, FL - As news pours in from Haiti on the estimated 2000 people expected to suffer a limb amputation, a multidisciplinary team of Prosthetists and Physical Therapists prepares the daunting task of providing long term prosthetic care. The group, organized by Bob Gailey, PhD, PT, will join Project Medishare and Dr. Barth Green in Haiti this week to help care for amputees and assess conditions. Their goal is to formulate a strategy for prosthetic rehabilitation that can be implemented quickly, effectively and sustainably.
Adam R. Finnieston, CPO, LPO, of Extreme Prosthetics joins the team as they fly to Haiti. “Our philosophy of extreme will be put to the test on a whole new level.” He realizes the complexity involved with a project of this magnitude.
The few prosthetic facilities that did exist were destroyed by the earthquake. This is compounded by the sheer volume of amputees. In the US, approximately 133,000 amputations are performed annually, and the work is divided amongst 4,000 clinics and hospitals. The calamitous event in Haiti has created 2000 plus amputees that all need urgent care. “It truly is an unprecedented challenge.”
However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, in fact, many lights. Money is being donated, and there is a group of 150 Physical Therapist volunteers in Miami eager to assist in relief efforts. Additionally, there are numerous prosthetic organizations, manufacturers and non-profit groups all endeavoring to aid the Haitian amputees. Those involved understand the urgent need to develop a comprehensive action plan that coordinates all of these resources so they can be effective.
Adam Finnieston is optimistic and believes technology could be the solution. He is hopeful that they will be able to use a device similar to the BioScanner™ he uses daily. “Armed with a portable battery operated scanner, relief workers in Haiti can instantly scan a patient’s limb and upload the file to www.noplaster.com. Manufacturing facilities around the US can then fabricate functional and economical prostheses. It’s a ‘leg in the box’ concept that would handle the volume.”
The group is eager to get on the ground in Port-au-Prince and gauge the situation firsthand. Their goal is to have a prosthetic clinic up and running within a week.

Extreme Prosthetics
is a division of Arthur Finnieston Prosthetics + Orthotics and is focused exclusively on the needs of the extremely athletic amputee. They are dedicated to providing amputees with the prosthetic care that allows them to achieve the lifestyle they desire. They have a “No Limits” philosophy and endeavor to help their clients attain their athletic goals, no matter how extreme. For more information, please visit www.extremeprosthetics.com or contact arica@finnieston.com